When This Blows Over

It is said that when Napoleon was presented with the
credentials of a general, he asked, “I know that he is good,
but is he lucky?” The phrase might be apocryphal
[mythical], but it is by no means wrong. One need not
believe in the concept of fortune to be fortunate.
On that note, President Donald Trump might be considered
fortunate, presented with another opportunity to shape the future
with his third nomination to the Supreme Court. With the new
vacancy, Trump has also provided social scientists an opportunity to
test several academic theories about future political alignments.
For starters, there’s nothing Democrats can gain from this scenario.
If a caustic confirmation ensues, it would be a rehash of the Brett
Kavanaugh episode, which would galvanize Republicans. If there’s a
nomination but no confirmation and then a lame-duck session, it
would spur Republicans to vote for Trump for a future confirmation.
If riots break out, they would most definitely stir Republicans to
vote.
The talks of a political crisis are just that — talks. They’re a fantasy
narrative created by those who have a monopoly over media, similar
to the line that Trump would not give up power even if Joe Biden
wins the election.
The constitutional process is clear: The president nominates, and
the Senate proceeds to either confirm or deny. The party in power in
the Senate decides whether a confirmation process goes forward.
Democrats did that with Robert Bork, and Republicans paid back in
kind during the nomination of Merrick Garland.
Those in power decide the process. That is true for both parties. Any
other narrative is balderdash.